Early Storm Accumulates Deals at Snowshoe Mountain

October has brought with it a lot of early snow around the country. [R407R, Snowshoe Mountain] recorded the first snowfall in the southeast for the 2011/2012 season, and excitement is building among West Virginia's skiers and riders for a snowy winter.

After cold temps rolled in on Sept. 30, residents of Showshoe awoke Saturday, Oct. 1 to a dusting of snow on their cars and the sidewalks. Winter lovers were immediately out sliding on the streets, making snow angels and chucking snowballs to welcome in the early accumulation.

Taking advantage of the cold temps to test out the snowmaking system. Photo Courtesy of Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort.

Crews at the resort took advantage of the cold temps by firing up the snow guns and performing their preseason checks on the snowmaking system. Officially, the resort plans to begin snowmaking operations on Nov. 1, weather permitting, and is planning to open just before Thanksgiving.

This storm came four days ahead of the first snow of 2010 and continued far more steadily. Flurries fell through the weekend and picked up big time Sunday night, accumulating a total of 9" when it ended Monday, Oct. 3. This meant the shovels, boots and gloves were out and winter seemed all but moving in. The weather has since warmed and while the snow has mostly melted away, it has not been forgotten.